Animal Protection Organisations

There are a number of organisation and shelters for abandoned or abused animals in Korea. Pet rescue groups and organisations are growing in number and have become strong advocates for the humane treatment of animals in Korea. Many of these accept foreign volunteers; in fact, some were started by foreign residents.

Among the organisations that have English websites and/or work closely with the foreign community are the following:

Busan-based:Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary (BAPS):
The Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary originated when four animal lovers joined together to create a permanent home for abandoned pets in Busan. BAPS is a 100% private no-kill shelter. It maintains a maximum capacity policy. Adoptable dogs are featured on their DogBlog. BAPS welcomes volunteers and is funded through private donations. See their website for volunteer policy and Saturday volunteering events. Contact: daniel4jin@yahoo.com.

Daegu-basedKorea Animal Protection Society (KAPS)
KAPS was found in 1991 for the purpose of helping injured animals. It is now involved in providing shelter for animals and for finding adoption/foster homes for abandoned pets. It is also involved in advocacy on behalf of animal rights/protection. KAPS welcomes foreign and local volunteers as well as donations. Contact details: kaps0127@hanafos.com or 053-622-3588. Address: 1593-19 Daemyoung-10 dong, Nam-gu, Daegu City, 705-815.

Seoul-basedCoexistence of Animals Rights on Earth (CARE - 동물사랑실천협회)
CARE was started by two animal rights advocates in 2002. Their goal is to raise public awareness about the dog meat industry until it ceases to exist in the country. In 2004, they opened an animal shelter to protect homeless pets from being picked up by dog meat traders. They also try to find new adopted homes for the canines with Korean families and owners overseas CARE opened an Adoption Center for Rescued Animals in Seoul in July 2012 at the Toegyero 5 ga Intersection. Directions: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Lines 2, 4 and 5 - Stops 205, 422 and 536) Exit 5 or Dongdaemun Station (Lines 3 and 4, Stops 128 and 42) Exit 1. Get information and apply to volunteer via careanimalrights@gmail.com.

Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA)
Korea Animal Rights Advocates is a volunteer, non-profit organization in Korea whose members support and promote animal rights. Aside from protest actions, KARA is involved in volunteer shelter work and the distribution of donated food and financial aid to animal shelters. KARA supports over 20 private animal shelters. KARA members take part in trap, neuter and release (TNR) programs and work to give abandoned animals new homes, often taking in animals themselves. KARA members also seek to spread vegetarian/vegan culture. KARA is funded through support from the communty. The KARA office is located in Jongo-gu, Seoul. Contact: 02-3482-0999 or admin@animalrightskorea.org.

Web-basedAnimal Rescue Korea (ARK)
ARK is primarily a website that gathers English-language information useful for helping animals around Korea. ARK does not operate a shelter or rescue center of tis own. Its network of volunteers do help to find homes for homeless animals, fostering, fund-raising, volunteering at local Korean shelters and sharing ideas in the forums. ARK members regularly organise trips to local Korean shelters. Volunteers are welcome as are donations of supplies and money to cover various expenses for the animals including vet bills, etc. Although it used to, ARK no longer posts information on animals needing new home.

MOONBEARS.ORG is a Seoul based non-profit animal rights advocacy group, with branches in Hong Kong and Sydney. The group's primary purpose is to stop bear farming in Korea and to re-locate the bears into a safe sanctuary. Moonbears looks for volunteers (including foreign nationals) to take an active part in its activities as well as for supporters willing to sign its petition, donate funds, etc. For more information visit the website or write to g.moon@moonbears.org.

K4E Editor: Should you know of other organisations that should be included on the above list, please let us know at info@korea4expats.com